TELECOMS : MTN Cameroon invests in girls to prepare for the AI revolution

Inside training rooms in Yaoundé, with laptops open and eyes fixed on screens, young Cameroonian girls explored the new frontiers of the digital world. Artificial intelligence, online learning platforms, service automation, as well as digital applications in healthcare and agriculture were at the center of this year’s “Girls in ICT Day 2026,” organized by MTN Cameroon with a strong focus on emerging technologies.

Through its foundation, the telecom operator multiplied initiatives aimed at encouraging greater female participation in information and communication technologies. The first phase of the program took place on April 21, 2026, during a training session held under the theme : “Artificial Intelligence for Development : Girls Shaping the Digital Future.”

For several hours, participants were introduced to practical applications of artificial intelligence in sectors increasingly considered strategic for African economies. Digital healthcare, fintech services, smart agriculture, and connected education were among the topics discussed, illustrating how technology is progressively reshaping business models and the jobs of tomorrow.

The event also highlighted the MTN Skills Academy platform, developed by the MTN Foundation. The online learning program provides access to certified courses designed with international partners including Coursera and PACE. For the telecom group, the objective is to reduce inequalities in access to digital skills at a time when digital transformation is accelerating across Africa.

In Cameroon, as in much of sub-Saharan Africa, the underrepresentation of women in technology-related fields remains a major challenge. According to several international reports, women continue to account for a minority of professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This gender digital divide continues to limit women’s access to qualified jobs and new opportunities generated by the digital economy.

The second major phase of the initiative took place on May 15, 2026, during the official ceremony organized at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications in Yaoundé. Invited by MINPOSTEL, the MTN Cameroon Foundation presented its digital inclusion programs and screened a video report showcasing activities carried out with young girls since April.

In its official remarks, the MTN Foundation stressed the importance of integrating more young women into Africa’s digital revolution. “Artificial intelligence represents a major opportunity for our continent,” said Danielle Mbome, Executive Secretary of the MTN Cameroon Foundation, emphasizing the need to develop technological solutions tailored to African realities.

This strategy reflects a broader trend emerging among African telecom operators. Faced with the rapid expansion of the digital economy, companies across the sector are increasingly investing in digital skills development programs to support the rise of a new generation of African tech talent.

For MTN Cameroon, the challenge goes beyond corporate social responsibility. In a rapidly evolving telecom market where artificial intelligence, data, and digital services are becoming central, the battle for digital skills is now emerging as one of the continent’s most strategic priorities.

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